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Sugarloaf Mountain Loop

Clermont, FL

Central Florida's rare stretch of genuine elevation.

22Miles
48 minutesRide time
Sugarloaf Mountain Road climbs to 312 feet in Lake County's citrus ridge near Clermont, Florida — the highest point on the Florida peninsula. The 22-mile loop runs through rolling hills west of Lake Apopka and sits on the Green Mountain Scenic Byway corridor connecting Winter Garden and Mount Dora. The final approach hits a steep 14% grade with several sharp 90-degree corners, genuine elevation change by Florida standards even if the summit itself is modest. The full loop takes about 48 minutes to ride. The road is also a well-known cycling route with triathlons held nearby, so expect bike traffic on weekend mornings. Ride it on a weekday morning or in cooler months to cut down on both cyclist traffic and Florida's midday heat. It connects directly into the rest of the Green Mountain Scenic Byway, so continue past Lake Apopka toward Mount Dora to extend the day.

The Route

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  1. Clermont, FLStart
  2. Florida Citrus Tower
  3. Montverde
  4. Green Mountain Scenic Overlook
  5. Lake Apopka

The Ride

The route features a steep 14% grade ascending to 312 feet, the highest point on the Florida peninsula, and includes several sharp 90-degree corners.

Rider Stops Near This Route

Dealers, bars and campgrounds from our atlas near this route's home base — real distances, not ads.

Campgrounds

Torchlite Mobile Home & RV Park

Clermont, FL0.6 mi
Dealers

Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson

Clermont, FL3.5 mi
Bars & Saloons

Buffalo Wild Wings

Clermont, FL3.6 mi
Bars & Saloons

The Crown

Clermont, FL4.4 mi
Bars & Saloons

The Cove Bar

Clermont, FL4.7 mi
Bars & Saloons

Clermont Brewing Company

Clermont, FL5.4 mi
Bars & Saloons

Bourbon & Bubbles

Clermont, FL5.5 mi
Bars & Saloons

Mullets Sports Bar Clermont

Clermont, FL5.5 mi
Bars & Saloons

Roasted Spirit

Clermont, FL5.5 mi

Common Questions

How long does the Sugarloaf Mountain Loop take?

About 48 minutes to cover the 22 miles, plus extra time if you stop at the summit or along the Green Mountain Scenic Byway.

How technical is the climb?

The final approach hits a 14% grade with several sharp 90-degree corners — steep and tight by Florida standards, though short compared to mountain passes out west.

Is 312 feet really the highest point in Florida?

It's the highest point on the Florida peninsula specifically; a few spots in the Panhandle sit higher, but nothing else on the peninsula reaches Sugarloaf Mountain's elevation.

Will I be sharing the road with cyclists?

Yes. The road is a well-known cycling route in Lake County's citrus ridge, with triathlon events held nearby, so expect bike traffic especially on weekend mornings.

What's nearby to extend the ride?

The loop sits on the Green Mountain Scenic Byway corridor between Winter Garden and Mount Dora, so you can continue the byway past Lake Apopka in either direction.

Best time to ride it?

Weekday mornings or cooler months cut down on both cyclist traffic and Florida's midday heat.

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